You have the power and the ability to make this year your best one yet. That’s right, and wishing and hoping has nothing to do with it!

It’s not about New Years Resolutions. It’s not about what you wish and hope will happen. It’s about making a decision and keeping your mind focused on the positive aspect once that decision has been made! What kind of decision you ask? How about deciding to stay more positive in the face of adversity? How about dedicating a few minutes every day for quiet, inner reflection? How about deciding to cancel out the negative chatter before you think those thoughts too long? Decide to do these steps and you will have created your best year yet. The rest of what you want to manifest will easily follow. And that’s what I want to talk about now!

Goals! Are goals important? Yes, goals are important because you need to have a specific picture to focus on when thinking about what you want. Remember, the Universe is a bountiful, gracious, 360º Giver. But it needs a form in which to pour itself into. Imagine a pitcher full of clear refreshing water. You are very thirsty. Won’t that water taste great? The Universe wants to give you this water. But if you don’t have a glass, where will the water go? The same is true with goals. You need to have a clear picture with what you want. “I want to be happy” isn’t a clear picture, there’s no place to pour that water. “I will walk for twenty minutes every morning and I will be happy” is a picture.

STOP!!!! Don’t go any further in this post until you’ve answered this next section.

First question. What is a goal you really want to bring into your life? Be daring, right here, right now, and declare what it is you want to do for yourself. Don’t say a goal you think you should want or what you think other people want you to want (because that isn’t confusing!) I’m asking you to declare a goal for you!

For example, one of my big goals for 2016 is to actually start writing the book that has been brewing inside of me for so long. This may not seem like a big deal, but this is the first year I’ve actually declared that as MY goal! So what is it for you? Write it down on an index card.

Next question. Why did you choose that goal? Again, this is honesty and specificity for you. This is the soul purpose or the heart of your goal.

As a hypnotist, I help people quit smoking all the time. When I ask them why they want to be a non-smoker they’ll usually say ‘because it’s bad for me’. That may be a true reason but it’s not a very happy reason to quit smoking. After some thought I’ll hear things like: I want to quit so I can save money. I want to quit so I can watch my grandchildren get married. See the difference? So what is your why for that goal? Write it down on an index card.

Last question: How are you going to accomplish this? Every goal to be reached should have at least five objectives, or action steps. Take a moment and write down five action steps you can do to help you reach your goal. These action steps are the ‘how to’ for your goal.

Keep these index cards with you. You might want to keep a set in your purse or wallet so you can read them during the day and another set by your bed at night. Read the cards right before drifting off to sleep and then again before getting out of bed in the morning. This is the first step in imprinting your subconscious mind with what you want to attract into your life.

The next step is to take some time, each day, to imagine yourself already doing, being, having your goal. Really get into it. Imagine yourself using all your senses, as if you’ve already accomplished the goal. How does it feel? Then, let it go!

You’ve just sent your order to the Universe. You’ve wrapped that order with images and feelings (positive emotions). Now the Universe has a form to pour its life-giving energy into. Take time each day to energize this goal and sooner than you think you’ll be amazed to realize you’ve attained it.

Law of Assumption: Here’s the missing ingredient to the Law of Attraction. Once you’ve taken the time to do the mental work of picturing and feeling what you want, get up and ACT as if you already have it! Don’t allow the thoughts of doubt to creep in. (If you have not yet read and worked with my previous posts on how to let go of the old patterns, I encourage you to do so!) Keep your mind focused on the decision that you made, then trust that the Universal Giver will honor those thoughts when the timing is best.